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VA diagnostic code directory

Browse VA Diagnostic Codes by Body Area

Start with the place that hurts or is not working normally. You can still browse every VA body system below.

Knee and leg conditions

48 diagnostic codes

Selected area: Your left knee and leg

These codes can cover either side, both sides, or more than one body part. Check each description.

DC 5055Knee, resurfacing or replacement (prosthesis)

This code covers veterans who've had knee replacement surgery or knee resurfacing (where they smooth out damaged cartilage and bone surfaces). The VA gives y...

DC 5160Complete amputation, lower extremity

This diagnostic code covers the most severe lower leg amputations - where your entire leg and part of your pelvis have been surgically removed. The VA rates...

DC 5161Upper third, one-third of the distance from perineum to knee joint measured from perineum

This diagnostic code covers amputation or complete loss of use of your leg in the upper third of your thigh - specifically, the area that's one-third of the...

DC 5162Middle or lower thirds

Diagnostic Code 5162 covers amputations or complete loss of use in the middle or lower thirds of certain body parts, typically fingers or limbs. This is a fi...

DC 5163With defective stump, thigh amputation recommended

This diagnostic code covers situations where you have a leg amputation below the knee, but the remaining part of your leg (called the stump) has serious prob...

DC 5164Amputation not improvable by prosthesis controlled by natural knee action

Diagnostic Code 5164 covers amputations where a prosthetic device can't be controlled by your natural knee movement - typically amputations above the knee or...

DC 5165At a lower level, permitting prosthesis

Diagnostic Code 5165 covers amputations at the lower leg level where you can still use a prosthetic (artificial limb). This is a fixed rating code, meaning y...

DC 5256Knee, ankylosis of

Ankylosis of the knee means your knee joint has become completely stiff and fused in one position - it can't bend or straighten anymore. The VA rates this co...

DC 5257Knee, other impairment of

Diagnostic Code 5257 covers knee instability and is split into two sub-categories, each with its own 10-30% ladder. Recurrent subluxation or instability (gen...

DC 5258Cartilage, semilunar, dislocated, with frequent episodes of "locking," pain, and effusion into the joint

This code covers a dislocated meniscus (the rubbery cartilage cushions in your knee) that causes your knee to frequently 'lock up,' creates ongoing pain, and...

DC 5259Cartilage, semilunar, removal of, symptomatic

This diagnostic code covers situations where you've had cartilage removed from your knee (the semilunar cartilage is also called the meniscus - the C-shaped...

DC 5260Leg, limitation of flexion of

This rating covers when you can't bend your leg normally at the knee joint - specifically, how far you can pull your heel toward your buttocks. The VA measur...

DC 5261Leg, limitation of extension of

This rating covers your leg when you can't fully straighten it at the knee - meaning your knee stays partially bent and won't extend to a normal straight pos...

DC 5262Tibia and fibula, impairment of

This diagnostic code covers problems with your tibia and fibula - the two bones in your lower leg between your knee and ankle. The VA rates these injuries ba...

DC 5263Genu recurvatum (acquired, traumatic, with weakness and insecurity in weight-bearing objectively demonstrated)

Genu recurvatum is when your knee bends backward beyond its normal range, usually from an injury that damaged the ligaments or muscles that normally keep you...

DC 5275Bones, of the lower extremity, shortening of

This diagnostic code covers when one of your legs is shorter than the other due to a service-connected injury or condition affecting the bones in your lower...

DC 5311Group XI. Function: Propulsion, plantar flexion of foot (1); stabilization of arch (2, 3); flexion of toes (4, 5); Flexion of knee (6). Posterior and lateral crural muscles, and muscles of the calf: (1) Triceps surae (gastrocnemius and soleus); (2) tibialis posterior; (3) peroneus longus; (4) peroneus brevis; (5) flexor hallucis longus; (6) flexor digitorum longus; (7) popliteus; (8) plantaris

Diagnostic Code 5311 covers injuries to the muscles in your lower leg and calf that control pushing off when you walk, supporting your arch, moving your toes...

DC 5312Group XII. Function: Dorsiflexion (1); extension of toes (2); stabilization of arch (3). Anterior muscles of the leg: (1) Tibialis anterior; (2) extensor digitorum longus; (3) extensor hallucis longus; (4) peroneus tertius

This diagnostic code covers injuries to the muscles in the front of your lower leg that help you flex your foot up toward your shin, extend your toes, and ke...

DC 5313Group XIII. Function: Extension of hip and flexion of knee; outward and inward rotation of flexed knee; acting with rectus femoris and sartorius (see XIV, 1, 2) synchronizing simultaneous flexion of hip and knee and extension of hip and knee by belt-over-pulley action at knee joint. Posterior thigh group, Hamstring complex of 2-joint muscles: (1) Biceps femoris; (2) semimembranosus; (3) semitendinosus

Diagnostic Code 5313 covers injuries to your hamstring muscles - the three muscles on the back of your thigh that help you bend your knee and extend your hip...

DC 5314Group XIV. Function: Extension of knee (2, 3, 4, 5); simultaneous flexion of hip and flexion of knee (1); tension of fascia lata and iliotibial (Maissiat's) band, acting with XVII (1) in postural support of body (6); acting with hamstrings in synchronizing hip and knee (1, 2). Anterior thigh group: (1) Sartorius; (2) rectus femoris; (3) vastus externus; (4) vastus intermedius; (5) vastus internus; (6) tensor vaginae femoris

Diagnostic Code 5314 covers injuries to the quadriceps muscle group - the large muscles on the front of your thigh that straighten your knee and help you wal...

DC 7114Peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when your arteries get narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to your arms or legs. The VA rates PAD based on spe...

DC 7115Thrombo-angiitis obliterans (Buerger's Disease)

Thrombo-angiitis obliterans, also called Buerger's Disease, is a rare condition where blood vessels in your hands and feet become inflamed and blocked, reduc...

DC 7120Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that usually appear in your legs and feet, often looking like dark blue or purple cords under your skin. The VA do...

DC 7121Post-phlebitic syndrome of any etiology

Post-phlebitic syndrome happens when veins in your legs are damaged, often after blood clots, causing poor circulation and fluid buildup. The VA rates this c...

DC 8520Paralysis of sciatic nerve

Diagnostic Code 8520 covers paralysis of the peroneal nerve, which controls muscles that lift your foot and toes upward. When this nerve is damaged, you deve...

DC 8521Paralysis of external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of the peroneal nerve, which controls muscles that lift your foot and toes upward. The VA rates this condition from 10%...

DC 8522Paralysis of musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of the peroneal nerve, which controls muscles that lift your foot and toes upward. When this nerve is damaged, you may...

DC 8523Paralysis of anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of the peroneal nerve, which controls muscles that lift your foot and toes upward. When this nerve is damaged, you may...

DC 8524Paralysis of internal popliteal nerve (tibial)

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of nerves, though the specific nerve isn't named in the title. Based on the rating criteria, it appears to focus on ner...

DC 8525Paralysis of posterior tibial nerve

Diagnostic Code 8525 covers paralysis of the muscles in your foot, specifically those that control the bottom (sole) of your foot and your toes. The VA rates...

DC 8526Paralysis of anterior crural nerve (femoral)

This diagnostic code covers paralysis of the quadriceps extensor muscles - the large muscle group on the front of your thigh that helps you straighten your k...

DC 8527Paralysis of internal saphenous nerve

Diagnostic Code 8527 covers paralysis of muscles, which means partial or complete loss of movement and function in affected muscle groups due to nerve damage...

DC 8620Neuritis of sciatic nerve

Neuritis is inflammation or damage to nerves, often causing pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area. The VA rates neuritis under t...

DC 8621Neuritis of external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)

Neuritis is nerve inflammation or damage that affects how your nerves function. Under diagnostic code 8621, the VA rates neuritis the same way it rates paral...

DC 8622Neuritis of musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)

Neuritis is inflammation or irritation of a nerve that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. Under diagnostic code 8622, the VA rates neuritis bas...

DC 8623Neuritis of anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)

Neuritis is inflammation or damage to a nerve that causes pain, weakness, or loss of function. The VA rates neuritis using the same criteria as paralysis, me...

DC 8624Neuritis of internal popliteal nerve (tibial)

Neuritis under diagnostic code 8624 refers to inflammation or damage to nerves that control foot and toe movement, particularly affecting your ability to poi...

DC 8625Neuritis of posterior tibial nerve

Neuritis is inflammation of the nerves, and under this diagnostic code, the VA rates it based on how severely it affects the muscles in your foot. The VA loo...

DC 8626Neuritis of anterior crural nerve (femoral)

Neuritis is inflammation of a nerve that causes pain, weakness, or numbness. Under diagnostic code 8626, the VA rates neuritis based on how much it affects y...

DC 8627Neuritis of internal saphenous nerve

Neuritis is inflammation or damage to nerves that can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. The VA rates neuritis under this code...

DC 8720Neuralgia of sciatic nerve

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can be sharp, burning, or shooting in nature. Under diagnostic code 8720, the VA rates neuralgia using the same criteria as para...

DC 8721Neuralgia of external popliteal nerve (common peroneal)

Neuralgia is severe nerve pain, but under this diagnostic code, the VA rates it based on how much paralysis (loss of movement) it causes rather than just the...

DC 8722Neuralgia of musculocutaneous nerve (superficial peroneal)

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can feel like sharp, burning, or shooting sensations along a nerve pathway. Under diagnostic code 8722, the VA rates neuralgia b...

DC 8723Neuralgia of anterior tibial nerve (deep peroneal)

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can affect different parts of your body, but this specific code focuses on nerve damage affecting your foot and ankle movement....

DC 8724Neuralgia of internal popliteal nerve (tibial)

Neuralgia under diagnostic code 8724 refers to nerve pain or damage that's severe enough to be rated like paralysis. The VA rates this condition from 10% for...

DC 8725Neuralgia of posterior tibial nerve

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can affect different parts of your body, but this specific code covers nerve damage in your foot. The VA rates this condition ba...

DC 8726Neuralgia of anterior crural nerve (femoral)

Neuralgia is nerve pain that can feel like burning, shooting, or stabbing sensations along a nerve pathway. The VA rates neuralgia under this code by looking...

DC 8727Neuralgia of internal saphenous nerve

Neuralgia is nerve pain that feels like sharp, shooting, or burning sensations along the path of a damaged nerve. The VA rates neuralgia using the same crite...

Browse every diagnostic code

Use the body map above, or open a body system below to browse every diagnostic code.

Musculoskeletal System (162 codes)
Muscle Injuries (31 codes)
Eye (45 codes)
Ear (12 codes)
Smell and Taste (2 codes)
Infectious Diseases, Immune Disorders, and Nutritional Deficiencies (31 codes)
Respiratory System (61 codes)
Cardiovascular System (33 codes)
Digestive System (51 codes)
Genitourinary System (40 codes)
Gynecological Conditions (20 codes)
Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (21 codes)
Skin (30 codes)
Endocrine System (19 codes)
Neurological Conditions and Convulsive Disorders (119 codes)
Mental Disorders (33 codes)
Dental and Oral Conditions (15 codes)

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Always consult with your VSO representative or a qualified veterans benefits attorney for guidance on your specific claim.